President Khachaturyan meets Georgian counterpart during visit for Patriarch’s

Hovik Karapetian
Politics08:56, 23 March 2026
Read the article in: العربيةفارسیFrançais هییرینکارتہTürkçe

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan met with his Georgian counterpart, Mikheil Kavelashvili, during his visit to the neighboring country to attend the funeral of Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, who passed away last week at the age of 93, the President’s Office said in a press release.

President Khachaturyan expressed his condolences on the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch.

President Kavelashvili thanked the Armenian President for his visit and for attending the funeral of the Georgian patriarch.

During the meeting, the presidents also discussed the agenda of bilateral relations and regional developments, according to the President’s Office.

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Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Brussels interested in Yerevan’s continued policy towards EU — Belgian expert

Elizabeth Jabejian
Politics09:40, 23 March 2026
Read the article in: Arabic PersianՀայերենРусскийTurkçe

In Brussels, Armenia is seen as a democratic partner, and it is important that the Armenian government’s decisions to deepen relations with the European Union are upheld.

Alberto Turkstra, director of the Brussels-based analytical and public relations project “Diplomatic World,” expressed this opinion in an interview with Armenpress, assessing the current level of Armenia–European Union relations and Yerevan’s European prospects.

The Belgian expert noted that Brussels has positively received Yerevan’s policy aimed at deepening relations with the European Union.

“Brussels has received this new direction of Armenia quite positively, in terms of closer rapprochement with the European Union. This is generally in the same logic as what we have seen in the case of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. At the moment, the conditions also seem quite favorable,” the expert emphasized.

He recalled that the European Union also tried to play the role of mediator in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, when European Council President Charles Michel hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Brussels several times.

“These meetings, unfortunately, did not yield the expected results. Ultimately, some progress was made with the involvement of the United States, with the Washington Agreement of August 8, 2025. Nevertheless, I believe that this is an important step towards lasting regional peace after more than 30 years of conflict. This also stems from the interests of the European Union,” Turkstra said.

The expert reiterated that in Brussels, Armenia is regarded as a democratic partner, and promoting democracy remains one of the key directions of the EU’s foreign policy.

“On the other hand, there are also interesting opportunities related to economic and regional ties. For example,  Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace”  project coincides quite well with the European Union’s “Global Gateway” initiative and the development of the so-called Middle Corridor,” he said.

According to the expert, much still needs to be clarified, particularly in terms of investments and specific programs.

He added that, overall, EU–Armenia relations are currently in a rather active phase.

“Contacts are at a high level.  The first summit at the level of Armenia–EU leaders will be held in Yerevan this year. In addition, Armenia will host a meeting of the European Political Community, which is also an important event. It should also be noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, visits Brussels quite often, which also shows the intensity of relations,” Turkstra said.

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Published by Armenpress, original at 
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VLAP progress presented at EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee

Edgar Tavakalian
Armenia10:21, 23 March 2026
Read the article in: العربيةفارسیՀայերենქართულიRussianTürkçe

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia Armen Ghazaryan participated in the 5th meeting of the Armenia–EU Parliamentary Partnership Committee on March 19.

Issues related to the new Armenia–EU partnership agenda were discussed, the ministry said in a press release.

Reference was made to progress in the visa liberalization process, including ongoing efforts toward the issuance of short-term visas, as well as infrastructure projects.

Armen Ghazaryan presented the main stages of the visa liberalization process—from the launch of the dialogue to the receipt of the Action Plan and the practical steps being taken for its implementation. In particular, he touched upon the content of the Action Plan provided to the Armenian side, highlighting the established benchmarks and the legislative and institutional reforms being carried out to meet them.

The importance of programs implemented in a public-private partnership format to enhance document security was emphasized, along with the development of migration and integrated border management strategies, as well as the digitalization of the asylum system.

In the context of reforms in the law enforcement sector, Armen Ghazaryan noted that the ongoing changes are aimed not only at restructuring the system but also at introducing modern standards in police operations.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has adopted a systematic approach to the effective implementation of the visa liberalization Action Plan, Deputy Minister Armen Ghazaryan emphasized.

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Pashinyan, Putin Discuss Energy, Transport Ties

Emil Lazarian
Eurasia Review
Mar 24 2026
 March 24, 2026  0 Comments

By PanARMENIAN

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed issues related to the bilateral agenda.

The two leaders agreed to continue discussions at a future meeting in person, the Armenian prime minister’s press service reported.

According to the Kremlin, the conversation covered various areas of cooperation, including trade and economic ties, as well as energy and transport sectors, РИА Новости reports.

“Various aspects of further development of bilateral relations were discussed, including cooperation in trade and economic, energy, and transport fields,” the statement said.

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The Caucasus: Armenia’s Fintech and Digital Ecosystem in 2026

Emil Lazarian
The Fintech Times
Mar 24 2026
by Richie SantosdiazMarch 24, 2026

In the Caucasus region, fintech has been active as well as wider economic development. Today, in Armenia, it is increasingly a story of positioning.

What began as a small but ambitious digital finance ecosystem has, over the past few years, evolved into something more deliberate: a market seeking to bridge Europe, the Middle East and Eurasia through fintech. The transformation has not been abrupt, but it has been steady, anchored by regulatory foresight, technical talent and a growing appetite for digital financial services.

For a country of around 3 million people, Armenia’s fintech ecosystem is no longer emerging. It is organising itself.

Digital Transformation as a National Economic Lever

Fintech development in Armenia is closely tied to its broader digital economic strategy.

Over the past decade, the government has invested in building a technology-driven economy, supported by infrastructure, education and tax incentives. The country’s tech ecosystem has grown significantly, with startup activity increasing by 22.8 per cent in 2025 and total funding reaching approximately $164million.

This growth is not accidental.

Armenia has positioned itself as a cost-competitive and talent-rich technology hub, benefiting from an influx of engineers and developers in recent years. The country now has one of the highest concentrations of software talent relative to population size in the region

Institutionally, this transformation is supported by a network of innovation centres and technology hubs, including initiatives such as the Gyumri Technology Center and Vanadzor Technology Center, which were established with support from the government and the World Bank to build regional tech ecosystems

Fintech, in this context, is not a standalone sector. It is part of a broader digital economy strategy.

Financial Services Sector: Digital Transformation in Motion

Aerial view of the Yerevan IMAGE SOURCE GETTY

Armenia’s financial services sector has undergone a notable digital shift.

The country’s banking system, composed of 18 commercial banks with over $9 billion in combined assets, has embraced digital technologies at pace. Most of its activities is around its capital and largest city of Yerevan.

Mobile banking, digital onboarding, QR payments and contactless transactions are now standard across much of the system. Platforms such as Idram & IDBank have pioneered integrated digital wallets, QR payments and cross-border transactions, including partnerships with international payment systems like Alipay+.

At the infrastructure level, Armenia is also advancing rapidly.

The Central Bank of Armenia has implemented a regulatory sandbox framework, supporting fintech innovation and enabling experimentation across areas such as open banking, blockchain and digital identity.

Looking ahead, the country is exploring central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilots, alongside open banking frameworks and API-driven financial services. These developments signal a broader shift: Armenia’s financial system is becoming increasingly digital, interoperable and innovation-driven.

Fintech Ecosystem: Scale and Structure

Armenia’s fintech ecosystem has grown significantly in recent years.

Industry estimates suggest that more than 200 fintech companies are now operating in the country, spanning payments, lending, wealth management, insurtech and regtech, which was written my myself in 2024.

This places Armenia among the more developed fintech ecosystems in the Caucasus region.

Growth has been driven by several factors – from a strong talent base to a supportive regulatory framework to increasing demand for digital financial services and integration with global payment networks.

Digital payments alone have reached significant scale. Cashless card transactions in Armenia reached approximately $9.3billion in 2024, reflecting a clear shift toward digital financial behaviour.

At the same time, fintech is expanding beyond payments into areas such as embedded finance, AI-driven services and digital asset infrastructure, aligned with broader global trends shaping the sector in 2026.

Financial Inclusion: Progress with Structural Gaps

Despite its digital progress, Armenia’s financial inclusion landscape remains uneven.

While digital payments are expanding, adoption is not universal. Only around 40 per cent of adults have made digital payments, and less than 20 per cent use mobile or internet channels to pay bills, reflecting continued reliance on cash.

Card ownership also remains relatively low, with fewer than 20 per cent holding debit cards and just 9.2 per cent holding credit cards

This creates a familiar dynamic. On one hand, the infrastructure for digital finance is well developed. On the other, behavioural adoption still lags behind. For fintech providers, this represents a key opportunity.

The next phase of growth will depend on expanding financial literacy, improving accessibility and building trust in digital financial systems, in particular outside major urban centres.

Partnerships and Momentum (2025–2026)

Recent developments highlight Armenia’s increasing integration into global fintech networks.

The signing of the UK–Armenia Strategic Partnership in 2025 has created new pathways for fintech collaboration, investment and regulatory alignment.At the same time, partnerships with global accelerators such as Plug and Play, alongside collaborations in AI infrastructure, are strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem

Telecommunications infrastructure is also evolving. The rollout of 5G networks covering over 94 per cent of the population is enhancing connectivity and enabling more advanced digital financial services.

Together, these developments reflect a broader shift. Armenia is no longer building its fintech ecosystem in isolation, but, rather it is integrating into regional and global financial networks.

Armenia’s fintech ecosystem in 2026 is not defined by size but rather its direction.

The country is aligning technology, regulation and talent to build a digital financial system that extends beyond its borders. Progress has been measured. However, it has also been deliberate.


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Mirzoyan says hybrid attacks against Armenia can be partly ‘traced’ to Russia

Bedik Zaminian
OC Media
Mar 24 2026

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has suggested that some of the disinformation targeting Armenia ahead of the 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections could be traced back to Russia.

Armenia is set to hold its elections on 7 June, ahead of which both authorities and fact-checkers have noted a surge in disinformation, with much of it targeting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government.

Discussing the definition of hybrid threats, which he described as a relatively new phenomenon in Armenia, Mirzoyan suggested that the country has been primarily targeted by disinformation, though such threats can also take other forms, including cyberattacks.

He further accused the Armenian media of disseminating such disinformation — in some cases deliberately, and in others unintentionally.

When asked about Russia’s role in the hybrid attacks, Mirzoyan suggested that some of the disinformation could be traced back there.

‘Don’t imagine [there is] a centralised office or a supreme authority from which everything is organised and managed’, Mirzoyan said. He further elaborated — ‘Can you see MPs of Russia […] saying things against Armenia’s sovereignty and its legitimately elected authorities, things they have no right to say, because that is interference in internal politics? Yes, you can. Can you see officials of various ranks involved in such actions? Yes, you can. Can you see such things coming from expert circles? You certainly can see them with just a moment of googling’.

Mirzoyan was also asked about the EU’s ‘hybrid rapid response team’ which will be sent to Armenia ‘to help counter the threats ahead of the country’s elections’.

RFE/RL reported earlier in March that the team would consist of ‘a 9–14-member mission of experts’ and will visit Armenia in early April.

The group will stay in Armenia for 10-15 days, helping the offices of the Prime Minister and the Security Council to ‘develop a plan and regulations for managing these crises in situations of cyberattacks and foreign information manipulation’, RFE/RL reported.

Kallas says Armenia has requested EU assistance to counter hybrid threats ahead of 2026 elections

Mirzoyan noted that hybrid attacks were ‘a fairly unfamiliar phenomenon’ for Armenia, while in other parts of the world there was ‘accumulated experience’, adding ‘so why not ask for [help]?’

Addressing critics who suggested that EU aid could be perceived as Western interference in Armenia’s elections, Mirzoyan said that ‘some circles, as soon as they hear the word EU, flinch in fear and think that they have come to swallow us up, cut us off from centuries-old friendly connection’, implying Armenia’s long-standing ties with Russia.

‘If that group came from Madagascar, I’m sure it wouldn’t provoke such a reaction’, Mirzoyan said.

He added that ‘under all governments’, Armenia has sought assistance, including from the EU, on various aspects related to electoral processes.

‘If Russia has its own experience in combating hybrid attacks and is ready to share it, we are not against it. Let them share it, and we will see what kind of experience it is’, Mirzoyan said, responding to a question about the possibility of requesting similar support from Russia to tackle hybrid attacks.

‘The enemies of freedom do not sleep’, Armenian FM Mirzoyan says

Also on Monday, Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Armenian readout, they discussed ‘issues related to the scope of the bilateral agenda’, and also ‘agreed to continue the discussion’ in a meeting in the near future.

The Kremlin readout elaborated that the call took place at the initiative of the Armenian side, and that Pashinyan and Putin discussed ‘cooperation in trade, economic, energy and transport sectors’.

There was no reference in either readout to the two leaders discussing hybrid attacks on Armenia or Russian-backed disinformation.

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A new batch of agricultural products was sent via Azerbaijan to Armenia.

Emil Lazarian
Caucasian Knot
Mar 24 2026
A new batch of agricultural products was sent via Azerbaijan to Armenia.

Wagons carrying agricultural fertilizers and buckwheat from Russia were dispatched from Baku to Armenia today. The volume of Russian grain sent to Armenia via Azerbaijan has already exceeded 23,000 tons.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” seven wagons carrying 488 tons of grain were dispatched from Baku on March 9, transiting from Russia to Armenia. On March 11, 11 wagons carrying Russian grain were dispatched from Baku to Armenia. Including this shipment, more than 22,000 tons of grain (320 railcars), as well as 610 tons of fertilizer (nine railcars), were sent from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

In October 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced the lifting of all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia. Armenian authorities considered this an important step in opening regional communications. In early November 2025, a cargo of Russian grain arrived in Armenia via Azerbaijan for the first time since the 1990s. The Armenian government noted that this fulfilled one of the agreements reached in the United States, which contributes to strengthening peace between Yerevan and Baku.

Today, four train cars carrying agricultural fertilizers and a carload of buckwheat were sent to Armenia via Azerbaijan, APA reports.

This shipment is the latest in a series of cargo deliveries from Russia. The train, carrying 271 tons of fertilizer and 68 tons of buckwheat, departed from Bilyajari Station in the direction of Boyuk Kyasik Station, Trend reports today.

The train will proceed via Boyuk Kyasik Station to Georgia, from where it will head to Armenia. Previously, more than 23,000 tons of grain and over 700 tons of fertilizer were shipped from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan, Report reports.

According to Yandex Maps, the Bilajari railway station is located in the Baku settlement of the same name, while the Boyuk Kyasik station is in Azerbaijan’s Aghstafa district, near the border with Georgia’s Gardabani municipality.

On August 8, 2025, Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a declaration on the cessation of hostilities at a meeting in Washington. Moreover, Aliyev and Pashinyan did not sign the peace agreement, but only initialed it, and most of the declaration’s provisions contain vague wording, analysts noted.

US President Donald Trump stated that the key issue that prevented the signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been resolved: the issue of the Zangezur Corridor. The “Caucasian Knot” has prepared a report “Trump Route” (TRIPP): a transport corridor through Armenia”.

21:49 11.02.2026Vance’s visit to Baku demonstrated the pragmatism of US interest in the South CaucasusUS Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan demonstrated Washington’s desire to strengthen its presence in the region, weakening Russia’s influence, according to Baku analysts interviewed by the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent. At the same time, the United States is changing its strategy in building relations with countries in the region, moving from partnership to value-based cooperation based on pragmatism and economic interests.
On December 18, 2025, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan delivered gasoline to Armenia for the first time, and on January 9, Azerbaijan sent a second batch – 1,742 tons of gasoline and 946 tons of diesel fuel. On March 16, it became known that a batch of 4.5 thousand tons of diesel fuel was sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia.

At the same time, against the backdrop of a shortage in Armenia, the price of liquefied gas has risen significantly, and many motorists are forced to switch to gasoline. They suggested that the authorities are trying to force them to buy gasoline supplied from Azerbaijan.

The volumes of gasoline supplied by Azerbaijan are insignificant, supplies can be Armenian economists noted that the agreement should be viewed primarily as a political gesture in the context of a peaceful settlement.

On February 4, Aliyev and Pashinyan discussed the economic cooperation they had initiated at a meeting in the UAE and agreed to explore opportunities to expand trade. Although mutually beneficial, trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be limited in the near future, analysts in Baku noted.

Translated automatically via Google translate from class=”gmail_default” st1yle=”font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:small”>
Source: class=”gmail_default” st1yle=”font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:small”>© Caucasian Knot

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Armenian Personal Development Programs Launch in LA and Yerevan

Talar Tumanian
The National Law Review
Mar 24 2026

Armenian Personal Development Programs Launch in LA and Yerevan

Press Release Date 03-24-2026


Four Armenian trainers unite after sold-out Hilton Burbank event to deliver retreats, workshops, and seminars in Armenian across the US and Armenia

Our people have waited long enough for this. Nick is the voice of the people, Nazeli the soul, Suzy the heart. I built the foundation. This team exists for the Armenian community.”

— Arthur Palyan, Founder, Levels Of Self

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Four Armenian personal development professionals have joined forces to launch an ongoing series of retreats, workshops, and seminars delivered in Armenian across two continents. Programming will take place in Los Angeles, California, USA and Yerevan, Armenia, bringing world-class personal transformation to the Armenian diaspora and homeland communities in their native language.

The announcement follows a successful three-day personal training and development event held at the Hilton Burbank in Los Angeles on March 20th, 21st, and 22nd. The event brought together participants for immersive sessions on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, breathwork, subconscious transformation, stress management, and transformational coaching, all conducted in Armenian.

Leading the charge is Nick Heirapetian, the team’s tip of the spear, the People’s Champion, and voice of the people. A successful businessman who spent years serving the Armenian community in both Los Angeles and Armenia, Heirapetian now brings that same dedication to transformational facilitation, connecting directly with participants and driving real-world breakthroughs. Alongside him, Nazeli Manukyan serves as the Soul of the team, grounding every session in subconscious transformation, breathwork, and spiritual depth that helps participants reconnect with their true essence. Susanna Kalejian is the heart, holding space for transformation through breathwork, meditation, shadow work, and deep inner healing practices that continue to unfold long after each session. At the core of her work is the belief that true healing begins when we are willing to face and heal our inner wounds. And Arthur Palyan is the Foundation, providing the framework, infrastructure, and vision that holds the entire operation together.

“Our people have waited long enough for this,” said Arthur Palyan, founder of Levels Of Self. “Nick is the voice of the people. Nazeli brings the soul. Suzy brings the heart. I built the foundation so they can do what they do best. This team exists for the Armenian community.”
Future events will rotate between Los Angeles and Yerevan, with plans to expand into multi-day destination retreats, corporate workshops, and community seminars. All sessions are offered in Armenian, with English options available.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Nick Heirapetian, “The People’s Champion / Voice of the People”
Nick Heirapetian is a transformational facilitator, community leader, and co-creator of the Inqnachanaghman Tsragir (Self-Discovery Program). A successful businessman who spent years serving the Armenian community in both Los Angeles and Armenia, Nick is now channeling that same energy into showing people on both sides of the ocean how to create the life of their dreams. His work focuses on helping individuals break limiting patterns, reconnect with their inner power, gain clarity, and experience a deeper sense of freedom and purpose. As the tip of the spear and voice of the people, Nick is the one on the front lines connecting directly with the community and driving real-world transformation. YouTube: @ApreluArvest

Nazeli Manukyan, “The Soul”
Nazeli Manukyan is a Transformational Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, Spiritual Mentor, Certified Spiritual Life Coach, and Certified NLP Practitioner. Through her work, she guides individuals on a deep journey of self-discovery, helping them reconnect with their true essence and inner power. Nazeli specializes in subconscious transformation, emotional release, and energetic alignment, using breathwork, awareness practices, and NLP techniques. She is the founder of a growing Armenian conscious community, where she supports thousands on their awakening journey through teachings, meditations, and transformational experiences. Her approach blends spirituality with practical tools, empowering people to shift from limitation into love, clarity, and creation. Instagram: @quantumjumphome

Susanna Kalejian, “The Heart”
Susanna Kalejian is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer and Coach and the founder of Profound Heart Consultation. She advises individuals and organizations on stress reduction, performance optimization, and decision-making using evidence-informed stress management and HRV biofeedback methodologies, drawing on research from the HeartMath Institute. A certified trainer with the HeartMath Institute, Transformational Wellness Coach, and Heart Ambassador, Susanna translates research-informed insights into practical tools that help clients navigate complexity with clarity, emotional resilience, and sustained focus. Bilingual in Armenian and English, she engages diverse communities with cultural fluency, empathy, and authenticity.
Contact: [email protected] | Facebook: facebook.com/Susannakalejian | Instagram: @profound.heart.consultation

Arthur Palyan, “The Foundation”
Arthur Palyan is the creator of the 7 Levels of Self framework, a pattern-recognition approach to personal transformation that has reached 175 countries through the Level Up game on iOS and Android. Named Best Life Coach in California 2025, Arthur draws on over a decade of training through Landmark Worldwide, MITT, Insight Seminars, and Ancestral Medicine. His work has been featured on AP News, Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, and 200+ media outlets. Born in Armenia and raised in Los Angeles, Arthur provides the structural foundation for the team: the framework, the technology, the business infrastructure, and the vision that connects all four trainers into a single force for the Armenian community.

For information on upcoming retreats, workshops, and seminars in Los Angeles and Yerevan, or to book a private corporate or community event, visit levelsofself.com or schedule directly at calendly.com/levelsofself/zoom.

Arthur Palyan
Levels Of Self
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Turkish Press: Iran war may accelerate Armenia–Azerbaijan peace push and resh

Dabaghian Diana
P.A. Turkey
Mar 24 2026
Atilla Yeşilada

The war in Iran is emerging as an unexpected catalyst for reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as both countries seek to capitalize on new trade opportunities linking Europe to Central Asia. The conflict has underscored Europe’s energy vulnerability and boosted interest in alternative transit corridors, including the US-backed TRIPP project. Analysts say the shifting geopolitical landscape could create a rare window for lasting peace—while also reshaping regional power dynamics.

War reshapes incentives for regional cooperation

The escalation of conflict in Iran is prompting a strategic reassessment across the South Caucasus.

  • Armenia and Azerbaijan, both bordering Iran, face rising geopolitical and economic risks
  • The disruption of Middle Eastern energy flows has highlighted the need for alternative trade routes

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently signaled renewed urgency in advancing regional connectivity projects, particularly with Azerbaijan.

TRIPP corridor gains renewed importance

At the center of these efforts is the US-backed TRIPP (Trans-Regional Infrastructure and Partnership Project) agreement.

  • Signed as part of a broader normalization framework
  • Aims to connect mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory
  • Forms a key segment of the so-called “Middle Corridor”

This route would link Central Asia’s energy resources to Europe via Türkiye, bypassing both Russia and Iran.

The Iran war is also strengthening Türkiye’s strategic position in the region.

“We also shouldn’t forget the benefits of the Iran war,” said Turkey analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners. “They [Ankara] want a weak Iran so that they can expand their footprint in the South Caucasus against Iran.”

Yesilada added that the conflict increases the likelihood of the TRIPP corridor becoming viable:

“We get the Trump Road because nobody would want to traverse Iran under these conditions… and you get not immediate but gradual, but permanent, development boost from trade and investment along that route.”

Europe seeks alternatives to Middle East energy

The war has reinforced Europe’s need to diversify energy supply.

  • Roughly 20% of global energy flows are affected by Middle East disruptions
  • Central Asia—particularly Turkmenistan’s vast gas reserves—has become more attractive

However, experts warn that:

  • Infrastructure costs are high
  • Political risks remain elevated

A fragile but real opportunity for peace

Despite lingering tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh, analysts see a rare diplomatic opening.

  • Economic interdependence could reduce incentives for conflict
  • Trade and infrastructure projects may anchor long-term stability

“There is a sort of window of opportunity,” said regional experts, pointing to growing fatigue with conflict and desire for economic normalization.

Challenges remain: geopolitics and investment risks

The region remains highly volatile:

  • Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine
  • Iran conflict to the south
  • Uncertainty over large-scale European investment

Additionally, EU reluctance to fund fossil fuel infrastructure could complicate financing for energy corridors.

Strategic shift: Türkiye and the Caucasus

The evolving dynamics also highlight Türkiye’s expanding role:

  • Acting as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia
  • Strengthening influence in the South Caucasus
  • Leveraging geopolitical shifts to advance economic goals

Conclusion: Conflict may unlock long-term transformation

While the Iran war is destabilizing in the short term, it may accelerate structural change in the region.

  • New trade corridors could reshape global energy flows
  • Armenia–Azerbaijan rapprochement may gain momentum
  • Türkiye’s regional influence is likely to expand

If sustained, these trends could turn a geopolitical crisis into a long-term strategic realignment.

Dorian Jones

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Nikol Pashinyan will depart, leaving “landmines” under statehood – Mesrop Ara

Jirair Kafian
Aysor, Armenia
Mar 24 2026

The fact that Azerbaijan continues to make demands on Armenia has long been evident, and the authorities’ reluctance to address this openly – or their tendency to use it as a tool of intimidation – is purely propagandistic in nature, wrote Mesrop Arakelyan, co-founder of the “Land to Live” party.

“Since 2020, Azerbaijan has consistently put forward demands to the Armenian authorities. Some are temporarily withdrawn, only to re-emerge later, depending on expediency and the evolving situation.

Now, on the eve of elections, the issue of constitutional amendments is once again being raised. To avoid this, Nikol Pashinyan is resorting to fear-based rhetoric, warning the public of war.

Is there a risk of war? Yes, there is – regardless of whether Pashinyan remains in power or not. These risks must be reduced and neutralized. However, the solution does not lie in continuous concessions, but in effective engagement with international partners and open dialogue with Azerbaijan – areas in which the current government has consistently fallen short.

Nikol Pashinyan will eventually depart, leaving behind numerous landmines planted beneath Armenia’s statehood – challenges that will require an exceptionally professional government to defuse.”

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